Sound-controlled actuating mechanism



Nov. 30, 1937. G H. DAVIS. JR SOUND CONTROLLED ACTUATING MECHANISM Filed Nov. 14, 1933 3 Sheets-Sheet l Nov. 30, 1937.

G H. DAVISe JR 2,100,434 SOUND CONTROLLED AGTUATING MECHANTSM Filed Nov. 14, 1933 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 E f 7 /9 i l .v s* w j W 4/7 U4 W7 357 3 E9. 4.

Nov. 30, 1937. G H. DAVIS. JR

SOUND CONTROLLED ACTUATING MECHANISM Filed Nov. 14', 1933 s'sheets-sheet 3 //o A C. 4o,

ATTORNEY Patented Nov. 30, 1937 UNl'lED STTES FTNT CFFICE.

G. Howlett Davis, Jr., Detroit, Mich. Application November 14, 1933, Serial No. 698,021

15 Claims.

ine present invention pertains to a novel mechanism i'or operating apparatus at predetermlned, a'ithough not necessarily regular, intervals. The operation of the mechanism is ccntz-oiled in the present instance by silent grooves i given minimum length in a phonograph recand the apparatus controlled by the mechanisrn may be any device related in its operation ie sound produced by the record. A good exa iple of such a device is a slide film projector or a motion picture projector, and in another embodiment herein described, it is a multiple switch for operating various electrical devices in relation to the sound produced by the record.

rEhe control of the mechanism from the record 1spends on the formation of the silent grooves of given length in the record. These grooves are continuous with the usual sound grooves but are plain and soundless so that they produce no sound when traversed by the reproducer needle. The mechanism has a normal tendency to operate through the action of a weighted member, a spring, a magnet or any other such device; but this tendency is opposed and overcome by an electro-magnet which is energized when current is iiowing in the output transformer of the amplifier associated with the record. Obviously, this current flows when the needle traverses sound-producing grooves in the record; but when the needle is in a silent groove, the electro-magnet is not energized, and there is no opposition to the normal tendency of the mechanism to function.

The electro-magnet must, however, remain deenergized for a given period of time before the mechanism actually operates. This time interval is introduced to prevent actuation on short pauses or between sentences, with the result that actuation occurs only when the silent groove is of a given minimum length as above stated. The delay in operation is brought about by any suitable retarding means. For example, in the present instance, the specific member which is under a normal tendency to operate is a bellows adapted to contract under its own weight when unopposed by the electro-magnet but having a small exhaust port, the actual functioning of the mechanism depending on a pair of contacts which engage each other only when the bellows is fully contracted. On the other hand, the bellows has a large air inlet port so that it rises rapidly and separates the contacts when the electro-magnet is again energized by the entrance of the needle into a sound groove.

The invention is fully disclosed by way of (Cl. P19-1043.4)

example in the following description and in the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Figure l is a diagrammatic view of the apparatus;

Figure 2 is an elevation of the apparatus, showing the wiring diagrammatically;

Figure 3 is a vertical section oi the time relay device in contacting position;

Figure l is a similar section, partly in elevation, showing the time delay device in the opposite position;

Figure 5 is a detail elevation of the actuator and associated parts;

Figure 6 is an elevation of a modified construction, showing certain conventional electrical apparatus diagrammatically;

Figure l is a similar elevation showing the parts in a different position, and

Figure 8 is a diagrammatic view of the multiple switch which may be actuated by the mechanism.

Reference to these views will now be made by use of like characters which are employed to designate corresponding parts throughout.

A phonograph record with a series of silent grooves in combination with recorded sound grooves is reproduced on an electric phonograph of usual and well known design. My device is connected by its connecting wires I to the output transformer of this electric phonograph on either the primary or secondary side. The loud speaker of the electric phonograph is left connected in its usual position and reproduces sounds from the record as usual.

When sounds are being reproduced from a phonograph record, current is generated in the output transformer of the electric phonograph, both in the primary and secondary side, by the usual and well known system. When no sounds are being reproduced from a record, no current is generated in the output transformer.

The alternating pulsating current generated in the transformer passes through connecting wires l to a vacuum tube 2 and is rectified by this tube into direct pulsating current by the well known vacuum tube rectifying system. This direct pulsating current passes from tube 2 to sensitive relay 3 whose armature 4 is attracted to its energized solenoid 5. The armature closes a pair of contacts i which supply the solenoid 1 of a time delay relay with an energizing current from a suitable external source 3. From this source a conductor 9 extends to one of the contacts'i and another conductor l0 extends from the source to the solenoid 1 and from the solenoid to the other contact 6.

When the solenoid of the time delay relay is thus energized it draws its armature H and attached bellows l2 up to the top of its stroke. The armature and bellows are drawn rapidly by the solenoid to the top oi its stroke because an inlet valve i3 opens a large intake port I4 by the vacuum thus created inthe bellows, as shown in Figure 4.

When no sounds are being reproduced from the record and no current is generated in the output transformer, it follows that no current passes through connecting wires to tube 2 and thence to sensitive relay 3.

The contacts of relay 3 are normally open by virtue of the construction shown in FigureV 2.

The frame l5 which carries the coilsof solenoid 5 has the armature i attached thereto in the form of an angular strip member. One of the-contacts 6 iscarried by one leg or" the armature, and the other legis engaged by an adjustable stud i5 in the top of the frame, thus placing the f armature under a spring tension which tends to LI provide means VVfor draw it from the other contact 6 ixed on the frame. Another adjustable stud iii in the lower part of the frame limits the retraction 'of armature.V

When sensitive relay 3 ceases to supply energizing current to the solenoid of the time delay relay, the armature 'i' and attached bellows l2 descend by gravity to close the large air intake valve Yi3 by the pressure thus produced in the bellows. The descent is retarded by a small adlustable air vent il which allows the bellowsV to .descend in a predetermined period of time. Thus, when sound is being reproduced on a record, the armature and attached bellows rise rapidly with each impulse and descend slowly when the sound ceases. Short pauses between Words and sentenceson a record do not cause or allow the bellows and attached armature Ii to descend to the bottom of their stroke, because the time necessary for the bellows to descend is set to be longer thansuch pauses between words and sentences. Thus, on Ypauses between words or sentences, the bellows and armature begin to descend, but do not reach the following rsound raises the bellows and armature rapidly. When a pause of greater time length than that required for the bellows and armature to descend to Vthe bottom of their stroke is recorded on the record for the purpose of operating a machine or apparatus connected to my device, the armature and bellows descend and close a pair oi contacts I3 and It' carried respectively bythe movable part of the bellows and a Xed member such as the frame i 9 of solenoid Another solenoid 2t has one end connected at while its other end is joined bya conductor 22 to contactV iii. The complen mentary contact i8' is joined by a'conductor 23 to line 9. 'lliusengagement of contacts i 8, I8 is necessary in delivering current from the source 8 to solenoid 2B.

Energization of solenoid 2i? advances armature 24: which is adapted to actuate some other device' or apparatus. For example, the armature 24 may push a slide 5` whichrturns the feed wheel 2t of Va slide film feed. One end of the armature is connected by aretractile spring 2'! to the armature frame 28, so that when the solenoid 29 is cle-energized, the spring returns the armature to its former position.

Because alternating current produces an objectionable hum. or vibration in some apparatus, shutting the current oi the connected by a conductor 33 the bottom of their strolrebecauseV solenoid 28 immediately after the latter has performed its function. Some apparatus, such as the solenoid 2i) operating the slide iilm projector shown in Figure 2, perform their functions in a small part of a second. I will briefly describe a device for shutting the current oilC the solenoid 2i) after it has performed its function.

Another switch is mounted adjacent to the armature 26 and includes a pivoted contact 29 having lingers 39 and 3i at opposite sides of a pin 32 carried by the armature. This contact is to conductor S, and the co-operating ixed Contact 35 ci the switch is joined by a conductor 35 to conductor i!! at a point between the solenoid i and the contacts 6'.

When solenoid 2o receives its energizing current it draws its armature 2-3 forward, drawing pin 32 between the fingers Sii and 3l. Y At'the end of its stroke the pin 32 strikes nger 3i to close the contacts 29 and 35. These contacts close a circuit which supplies current from source 8 to solenoid i of the time delay relay, which draws its armature H and bellows l2 up, breaking contacts i3, i8 and thereby shutting the current oli the driving solenoid 2Q. When solenoid is thus de-energized, its armature 2i!V is returned by re- 35, thus de-energizing solenoid i of the time cielay relay and placing the contactsY 29,

35 in position for another operation such as that lust described. When solenoid 'i is thus de-energized the bellows i2 begins to descend by gravity, unless the solenoid 'l is being energized by the following sound on the phonograph record through tube 2 and sensitive relay 3, as previously set forth.

In both embodiments of the invention, the armature of the solenoid 'l or l' carries a stopl Si co-operating with stops 38 mounted beneath the solenoid in order to limit the upward stroke of the armature.

If the reproducer needle is still in a silent groove having suicient remaining length, the bellows l2 descends and initiates another cycle such as that already described, which in this case would be useless. In order to avoid this repeated operation from a silent groove having at least twice the length necessary to permit descent of the bellows l2, I provide the modiiied construction shown in Figures 6 and 7.

The contacts I8 and I 8 of Figures 1 and 2 for completing the circuit to the driving solenoid are here replaced respectively by a contact 49 carried by the bellows l2 and a U-shaped member il pivo-ted adjacent to the armature 24 of the driving solenoid 26. The member 4| is non The contact is joined by a conductor 44 to one of the mains i5 of the power 6 is connected by conductor 47 to Vof solenoid Z' and is extended through the time solenoid 1' is not again energized until the reproducer needle is out of the silent groove, because the U-shaped member 4l remains in its tilted position and is not returned by the merc retraction of the armature 2. The member ll is returned to its normal position only when the solenoid 'l' is again energized from a sound groove in the record in the regular manner, whereupon the bellows I2 and contact iii are liited and the latter engages the non-conducting upper arm of the member 4l as shown in Figure 6. Therefore, repeated energizing of the solenoids 'l' and 2B' during a single silent groove is impossible.

Figure 8 shows a multiple switch for operating a series of devices in succession on the occurrence of successive silent grooves in the record. The driving solenoid 5!) is wired to receive current simultaneously with a solenoid 29a similar to solenoid 2S which is provided because of the anti-repeating mechanism associated with its armature. The solenoid 5t has a fixed core 5i adapted to attract an external pivoted armature 52. The switch comprises a ratchet wheel carrying an arm 54 adapted to connect a common contact :'15 successively to a series of separate contacts 55. As usual in multiple switches, the comi lon contact is connected to one side ci the line, and the separate contacts are connecte-d respectively to the several devices which in turn are connected to the other side of the line.

The armature 52 carries a driving pawl 5l held against the ratchet wheel by a spring the armature being normally withdrawn fromL the core 5i by a spring 59. A detent 5B holds the ratchet wheel from turning backward.

It will be evident that successive movements ci the armature 52 caused by successive silent grooves of suincient length, turn the ratchet wheel so that the switch arm 54 engages the contacts 553 in succession. The electrical devices connected with the contacts 56 may be of any suitable nature such as lamps to be lighted or electrical machines to be operated at given points in the recording.

Although specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be understood that various alterations in the details of construction may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as indicated by the appended claims. It is also contemplated that the invention be used with other sounding instruments than a phonograph record inasmuch as its operation depends on the absence, rather than the presence of sound.

What I claim is:

1. In combination, an actuating mechanism adapted to operate another apparatus, means for setting sai-d mechanism in motion, said means being operable by the eifect produced by the traveling of a reproducer needle in a blank groove, with no recorded irequency, formed in a sound record, said apparatus being inoperative on the relative movement between said needle and recordings on said record.

2. In combination, an actuating mechanism adapted to operate another apparatus, means tending normally to set said mechanism in motion, means for opposing the first named means, the opposing means being adapted to be rendered inoperative by the traveling of a reproducer needle in a blank groove, with no recorded ircquency, formed in a sound record, whereby the first means is operable when the needle travels in such blank groove, said apparatus being inoperative on the relative movement between said needle and recordings on said record.

3. In combination, an actuating mechanism adapted to operate another apparatus, an electrical control device for starting and stopping the operation of said mechanism, device being adapted for connection to and operation by the variable current in a sound amplifying system and sensitive to the effect produced. by the traveling of a reproducer needle in a blank groove with no recorded frequency, formed in a sound record, said apparatus being inoperative on the relative movement between said needle and recordings on said record.

4. In combination, an actuating mechanism adapted to operate another apparatus, means for setting said mechanism in motion, said means being sensitive to the effects produced by the traveling of a reproducer needle in a silent groove of a sound record, said apparatus being inoperaative on the relative movement between said needle and record, a time relay device operative on said means and adapted to prevent functioning thereof until the needle has traveled in sound groove a given period of time.

5. In combination, an actuating mechanism adapted to operate another apparatus, means tending normally to set said mechanism in motion, means for opposing the rst named means, the second named means being sensitive to the eifects produced by the traveling of a reproducer needle in a sound groove of a sound record, whereby the rst means is operable when the n-eedle travels in a silent groove, said apparatus being inoperative on the relative movement between said needle and record, a time delay device operative on the rst named means and adapted to prevent functioning thereof until the needle has traveled in the sound groove a given period of time.

6. In combination, an actuating mechanism adapted to operate another apparatus, an electrical control device for starting and stopping the operation oi said mechanism, said device being adapted for connection to and operation by the variable current in a sound amplifying system and sensitive to the minimum current value in said system, said apparatus being inoperative on the production of sound in said system, and a time delay device operative on the rst named device and adapted to prevent functioning thereof until the minimum current value has persisted for a given period of time.

7. In combination, a driving solenoid having an armature adapted to operate another apparatus, a slow-closing and fast-opening switch in the circuit of said armature, a relay adapted to open said switch when energized, said relay being adapted for connection to and operation by the variable current in a sound amplifying system, and means tending normally to close said switch, whereby said armature is moved when said current is substantially zero, said apparatus being inoperative on the production of sound in said system.

8. In combination, a driving solenoid having an armature adapted to operate another apparatus, a slow-closing and fast-opening switch in the circuit of said solenoid, a relay adapted to open said switch when energized, said relay being adapted for connection to and operation by the variable current in a sound amplifying system, and means tending normally to close said switch, whereby said armature is moved when said current is substantially Zero, and another switch movable by said armature and adapted to open rent is substantially zero, another switch mov- Vsaid solenoid is de-energized.

ratus, a bellows able by said armature and adapted to open the rst named switch and de-energize said solenoid, and a retractile spring for returning said armature and opening the second named switch when 10. In combination, a. driving solenoid having an .armature adapted to operate another appahaving a portion adapted to descend slowly by gravity, a contact carried by said portion, a xed contact adapted for engagement by the rst contact, said Acontacts constituting a switch in the circuit of said solenoid, a relay adapted to open said switch when energized, said relay being adapted for connection to and operation by the variable current in a sound amplifying system, whereby said armature is moved when said current is substantially zero.

11. In combination, a driving solenoid having an armature adapted to operate another apparatus, a bellows having a portion adapted to vrdescend slowly by gravity, a contact carried by said portion, a xed contact adapted for engagement by thev first contact, said contacts constituting a switch in the circuit of said solenoid, a relay adapted to open said switch when energized, said relay being adapted for connection to and operationby the variable current n a sound amplifying system, whereby said armature is moved when said current is substantially zero, and another switch movable by said armature and adapted to open the rst-named switch and de-energize said solenoid;

. 12. In combination, a driving solenoid havingV an armature adapted to operate another apparatus, a bellows having a portion adapted to' adapted to open the first named switch and de- .zl

energize said solenoid, and a retractile spring for returning said armature and opening the second named switch when said solenoid is de-energized.

13. In combination with a phonograph record having silent grooves of abnormal lengthV between the beginning and the end of the recording thereon, a reproducer needle adapted to travel in said grooves, an actuating mechanism adapted to operate another apparatus, means for setting said mechanism in motion, said means being sensitive to the eiT-ects produced by the traveling of said needle inra silent groove, a time delay device operand adaptedV to defer the functioning of said means for a time interval no greater than that required for said needle to travel the length of one of said grooves.

G. HOWLETT DAVIS, JR. 

